Conveyancing in Reading
Conveyancing refers to the legal process carried out by a property lawyer when transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. If you're looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Reading, you're in the right place. Get a fast & proactive solicitor from a nationwide panel of conveyancing experts.
We have helped Reading and Berkshire clients with buying, selling, buy-to-let, Help to Buy, Right to Buy, shared ownership, new build, leasehold, lease extensions, remortgage and transfer of equity.
Other areas covered: Bracknell, Slough, Wallingford and Wokingham
Buying property in Reading
Reading, situated in the upper Thames valley at the confluence of the rivers Kennet and Thames, is the county town of Royal Berkshire.
In 2016, following KPMG's Tech Monitor, naming Reading as the number one tech centre in the country, the area was identified as a 'silicon hub' - attracting tech workers out of London. It is ranked the UK's top area for economic success and wellbeing, according to factors such as employment, health, income and skills.
This, coupled with its close proximity to London (only 30 minutes by rail), has ensured that the property market in Reading remains buoyant, with values rising 16% over the last 2 years.
Council Tax in Reading (2023/24)
| Band | Amount |
|---|---|
| A | £1,504.17 |
| B | £1,754.86 |
| C | £2,005.55 |
| D | £2,256.25 |
| E | £2,757.64 |
| F | £3,259.03 |
| G | £3,760.42 |
| H | £4,512.50 |
What do Reading conveyancing solicitors do?
Your conveyancer plays a pivotal role in a property purchase. Your solicitor will perform due diligence on the property, like applying for searches from local authorities (e.g. Reading UA), raising enquires and ensuring necessary funds are correctly transferred.
In addition to standard searches, Reading conveyancing solicitors may also undertake high value properties and issues related to green belt land.
Are you funding your home purchase with a mortgage?
When you buy a property with a mortgage, your mortgage lender must check the property meets their criteria for lending.
Being a member of a lender's panel will mean your solicitor is able to represent your chosen lender.More than 100 banks and specialist lenders have approved our chosen panel lawyers. We can help you complete your Reading transaction smoothly.
Read more:
Conveyancing for buying a property
Find out if our panel solicitors can act for your mortgage lender
Approved by over 100 more
We can assist Reading buyers with the legal work for:
Roughly 500,000 listed buildings exist in England and Wales - around 520 of which are in Reading Borough Council. Listed buildings in and near to Reading include: Buying and owning a listed building can be a lot more complicated. Examples of the duties that listed building owners face include consent for additions like solar panels, and an obligation to protect significant internal features like fireplaces. Our specialist panel of solicitors will help you understand what duties your ownership will impose. Read more:Buying a listed building
When you buy a share in a property from a social housing provider, you will need shared ownership conveyancing. While it's a great option for buying your first home, shared ownership is more involved, because contracts are more complex and may contain restrictive covenants. Whether you are buying a shared ownership property or staircasing, our panel of specialist solicitors will walk you through every step of the process.Shared Ownership Conveyancing
Buying a leasehold property
Buying a leasehold property in the UK can be complex. The many potential complications awaiting an uninformed buyer can include legally technical issues like sinking fund issues and onerous clauses in the lease.
A leasehold solicitor will look into all potential issues with the lease and report back to you.
Read more:
What you need to know about buying a leasehold property
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When we factored in eveything that was included - this was the best quote we could find
Selling property in Reading
When you're looking to sell a property in Reading, you can expect your conveyancing solicitor to first prepare the necessary documentation, including the title deeds and assorted property information forms, and help you fill out this paperwork.
The conveyancer's role involves addressing snags like a defective lease, answering the buyer's solicitor's questions and taking charge of the mortgage redemption.
To ensure the transaction is straightforward, your lawyer will liaise with key parties, such as agents, managing agents and lenders.
Does the conveyancing for selling leasehold take longer?
Correct, it can take much more time to conduct the conveyancing to sell a leasehold home, compared to freehold conveyancing.
The buyer's conveyancer must review this leasehold-related paperwork, including management company information. Typically, delays are due to the time needed by the seller's conveyancer to source this information.
Your conveyancing solicitor should start this process at the earliest opportunity, because this paperwork can take weeks to collect if the managing agent or landlord is slow or difficult to contact.
Read more:
Selling a leasehold flat? What to do before going on the market
Conveyancing for selling a property
Remortgage conveyancing in Reading
The official base rate is 4.5% (30 April, 2025)
Make sure you verify your conveyancer's lender panel status before you instruct your solicitor.
Our remortgage panel solicitors are on the solicitor panels of over 100 mortgage lenders. Whether you are switching to an equity release mortgage from Barclays Bank or moving to an interest only mortgage with Holmesdale Building Society, we can help you.
Read more:
Find out if our panel solicitors can act for your lender
Get a remortgage conveyancing quote
Transfer of equity in Reading
If you are looking to change the ownership shares of your home, whether you are buying out a co-owner, estate planning or transferring the ownership of a property (in part or in full) to your children, a transfer of equity is required. Your property lawyer will complete the legal work for a low, fixed fee.
Read more:
Transfer of equity Stamp Duty calculator
Get a transfer of equity conveyancing quote
How much do conveyancing solicitors fees cost in Reading?
When you are comparing quotes, it isn't always easy to be certain you are comparing like to like.
Conveyancing fees
These fees are what your solicitor or conveyancer charges you for the work they carry out during your property transaction. The quote will set out the legal fees (inc. VAT) to be paid when the conveyancing transaction completes.
Disbursements
A disbursement is a cost that your solicitor or conveyancer must pay to a third party for a tax or additional service. Third-party disbursements include Stamp Duty, property searches and a British waterways search.
Check the terms and conditions
Some firms list extra charges in their terms and conditions, leading to an inflated final bill. Beware of extra fees, if you are comparing conveyancing quotes.
